The suspect admitted to the robbery and apologized, stating that he used the stolen money for personal needs and regretted the crime. PATTAYA, Thailand – A Russian tourist recently fell victim to a robbery in the heart of Pattaya when a suspect, armed with a firearm, threatened the tourist and demanded money. Fearing for the safety of her 3-year-old daughter, the tourist handed over 3,000 Baht to the suspect. The incident took place in Soi Phra Tamnak 6, and the suspect fled the scene shortly after. After days of investigation, the Pattaya Police apprehended the suspect on April 22, at 3:36 PM. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Ukrit Mangkhung (also known as Mac Kolai), was arrested near the entrance of Soi Beach Road 13/4. Police recovered a homemade firearm from him. The arrest was made with the collaboration of local police, the Pattaya City Police Investigation Division, and Tourism Police. During questioning, Ukrit admitted to committing the robbery and explained that he used the stolen money to support his daily needs. He expressed regret and apologized, stating that he never intended for such an incident to occur. He also explained that he wore an orange motorcycle vest during the crime as a disguise. A Russian tourist was robbed of 3,000 Baht in Pattaya by a suspect wielding a firearm, while her young child was at risk. Ukrit’s criminal history revealed prior convictions for drug-related offenses and robbery. He had recently been released from prison before committing this latest crime. The police have now sent Ukrit and the recovered evidence, including the weapon and motorcycle used for the getaway, to the public prosecutor to face charges. Tourist Robbed at Gunpoint –Suspect Arrested – Ukrit Mangkhung, the 30-year-old suspect, was arrested by Pattaya police near Soi Liap Chai Beach, where he was found with a homemade firearm. Confession and Apology –Criminal History – Ukrit Mangkhung had a prior criminal record, including charges for drug-related offenses and robbery, and had only recently been released from prison.

The crash was triggered when a rider stopped suddenly after a bug flew into their eye, leading to a rear-end collision with the following motorcycle. PATTAYA, Thailand – A motorcycle collision on the Huay Kai Nao – Ban Dan Phajon Road in the Khao Mai Kaew sub-district, East Pattaya, left two people injured on the evening of April 22. The incident occurred around 9:00 PM, prompting emergency responders from the Sawang Boriboon Pattaya City Rescue Center to rush to the scene. Upon arrival, authorities found a blue Honda PCX motorcycle without a license plate lying in the middle of the road. The rider, identified as 45-year-old Nichakan Uthaiseang, sustained injuries to her wrist. Nearby, a blue and white Honda Click motorcycle was also involved in the crash. The rider, 43-year-old Thanyalak Budda, was lying face down on the road with a lower right leg injury and pain to her right side ribs. Rescue teams provided first aid to both individuals before transporting them to a nearby hospital. According to a witness riding as a passenger, the driver of the Honda Click motorcycle had suddenly stopped after a bug flew into their eye, causing them to lose control. The motorcycle following behind failed to brake in time and collided into the back of their vehicle.

Indian Tourist Attacked in Pattaya – Mr. Shrutikkumar Rajnikant Patel, 34, was slashed by a homeless man with a knife outside a car repair shop. PATTAYA, Thailand – A 34-year-old Indian tourist, identified as Mr. Shrutikkumar Rajnikant Patel, was attacked by a homeless man wielding a knife in the Yensabai area of Pattaya. The incident occurred in front of a local car repair shop, where the tourist was waiting for his vehicle to be serviced. The assailant, described as a homeless individual, approached the tourist and without warning, began to slash him with a 30-centimeter knife. The tourist sustained injuries to his right palm and other parts of his body, which bore distinct knife wounds. Emergency responders arrived at the scene promptly and administered first aid before transporting him to a local hospital for further treatment. The attacker fled the scene before authorities arrived. A nearby security camera captured the entire incident, showing the attacker assaulting the tourist and walking away calmly after the attack. The police were alerted immediately after the incident, but the suspect remains at large. Despite immediate efforts by local authorities and rescue teams, the attacker escaped before police arrived. Incidents involving homeless individuals attacking tourists have been occurring regularly in Pattaya, raising serious safety concerns. Local businesses and residents are urging authorities to take stronger measures to control the growing number of homeless individuals causing harm to visitors and damaging Pattaya’s reputation as a tourist destination.

The falling baht boosts Pattaya’s appeal, making holidays, shopping, and investment more affordable for international visitors. PATTAYA, Thailand – The Thai baht continued to weaken sharply on Wednesday, opening at 33.63 baht per U.S. dollar, down from Tuesday’s close of 33.23. This shift has caught the attention of both travelers and economic analysts, with implications that could favor Pattaya’s already vibrant tourism sector and attract new waves of international investment. Analysts expect the baht to fluctuate between 33.35 and 33.75 over the next 24 hours. The sudden depreciation follows easing concerns over U.S.-China trade tensions and political interference in the U.S. Federal Reserve, as stated by U.S. Treasury Secretary and former President Donald Trump. These developments have spurred a “risk-on” sentiment in global financial markets, strengthening the dollar and putting pressure on other currencies like the baht. For Pattaya, a city heavily reliant on tourism and long-stay visitors, the weakened baht translates into greater value for foreign money. Visitors from countries with stronger currencies—such as the U.S., Europe, and parts of Asia—can now enjoy more affordable stays, shopping, and real estate opportunities. Economists note that this favorable exchange rate could provide a timely boost to Thailand’s tourism-dependent cities, especially Pattaya, as global travel rebounds. Hotels, beachside businesses, and nightlife venues may all see a surge in spending, while property developers could find renewed interest from foreign buyers looking to invest in a beachside lifestyle at a discount. However, some financial experts caution that the baht’s decline may slow if gold prices rebound or if the market stabilizes around risk-sensitive assets like the Chinese yuan—which continues to move in close correlation with the Thai baht. Traders are also closely watching key indicators, such as the U.S. PMI reports, economic updates from the EU, UK, and Japan, and statements from major central banks including the Fed, BOE, and ECB. These factors will influence whether the dollar continues to strengthen and the baht weakens further. Meanwhile, in Asia, attention turns to the Bank of Indonesia’s interest rate decision, which is likely to remain at 5.75% as the country aims to protect the rupiah’s stability amid U.S. protectionist policies. Despite short-term volatility, Pattaya’s tourism and investment outlook looks promising. The current economic environment may, in fact, present an ideal moment for foreign tourists and long-term visitors to experience more—while spending less.

Parking Restrictions on Pattaya South Road: New parking rules aim to enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion in the busy area. PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya is taking steps to improve traffic order and alleviate congestion with the introduction of new parking regulations on Pattaya South Road and Thepprasit Road. As part of the initiative, no-parking zones and day-specific parking rules have been implemented to ensure smoother traffic flow and reduce the issues caused by illegal parking. Local residents have expressed mixed feelings, with many calling for clearer signage and better enforcement. Some have suggested adjusting the parking zones in specific areas, such as near the intersection of Soi 6, to accommodate local traffic and ease congestion. Meanwhile, others have raised concerns about unauthorized vehicles being left unattended, including reports of a Honda Dream motorcycle without a license plate being removed due to a missing registration. In addition to logistical suggestions, there have been calls for broader signage in multiple languages, including Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Burmese, Khmer, English, and Russian, to cater to the diverse groups of people who visit the area. Residents are also pushing for more effective parking management, especially in places like Thepprasit Road where there are two-sided parking and the situation often becomes chaotic. Locals also question special privileges for taxis parking in red-white zones near VC Hotel on Pratumnak Road. Despite some of the concerns, many locals acknowledge that these changes are necessary for the overall improvement of the city’s infrastructure, with hopes that they will lead to a more organized and efficient system in the future. Local Feedback: Residents suggest improvements to parking zones and clearer signage to address ongoing issues. Addressing Unauthorized Parking: Concerns about vehicles being abandoned or parked illegally are prompting calls for more effective enforcement.

Pattaya welcomes the Star Voyager cruise, marking a new chapter in luxury maritime tourism and boosting Thailand’s global cruise destination appeal. PATTAYA, Thailand – For the first time ever in Thailand, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has partnered with StarDream Cruises to bring the luxurious Star Voyager cruise ship to the Thai shores. The ship began its operations at Laem Chabang Port on April 22, with an exciting itinerary that connects Laem Chabang, Koh Samui, Singapore, and back to Laem Chabang. This move is designed to elevate Thailand’s status as a top global cruise destination, particularly targeting high-spending tourists. Star Voyager, with a capacity of 1,940 passengers, will offer two sailings between April 22 and May 12, 2025, bringing international travelers to the heart of Thailand’s coastal beauty. This venture is an essential part of TAT’s effort to promote Thailand as a cruise hub in Southeast Asia and showcase its cultural and natural attractions to cruise passengers. TAT Deputy Governor for Asia and South Pacific, Patthra-anong Na Chiangmai, expressed excitement about this collaboration with StarDream Cruises. The initiative aligns with government policies to boost Thailand’s tourism sector and provide an exceptional experience for high-end tourists. As part of the cruise’s inaugural visit, TAT organized cultural events at Laem Chabang Port, including traditional Thai performances and a special welcome ceremony to introduce Thailand’s charm and warm hospitality. Michael Goh, President of StarDream Cruises, shared his enthusiasm for launching the new brand and the opportunity to serve as a homeport in Thailand. The company’s focus is to contribute to Thailand’s growth as a key cruise tourism destination in the region, boosting both the local economy and global recognition. This initiative also complements the vision of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025, which seeks to deliver unforgettable travel experiences for visitors. The collaboration is expected to further establish Thailand as one of the leading cruise destinations in Southeast Asia. This collaboration offers significant benefits for Pattaya, as Laem Chabang Port is located just a short distance away. The increased cruise traffic will likely drive more tourists to Pattaya, offering opportunities to explore its vibrant beaches, shopping districts, and nightlife. The city’s hospitality sector, including hotels, restaurants, and attractions, is poised to see a boost in visitors, particularly those seeking high-end experiences and luxury services. Moreover, Pattaya could see an increase in direct and indirect employment opportunities in the tourism and service sectors. The influx of cruise passengers will also help stimulate local businesses, including transport services, tour operators, and retailers. As Pattaya continues to enhance its reputation as a leading tourist destination, these developments will further reinforce its status as a global hotspot. The added exposure to an international cruise market can also strengthen Pattaya’s brand as a premium destination, complementing its reputation for world-class events and unique cultural experiences. As part of Thailand’s broader efforts to become a cruise tourism hub, Pattaya stands to benefit greatly from this new wave of international visitors, offering both economic growth and increased recognition on the world stage. The country already has significant potential in the cruise tourism industry, with Thailand welcoming 162 cruise arrivals in 2024, generating nearly 1.89 billion Baht in revenue. Ports like Patong Bay, Laem Chabang, and Koh Samui have become key entry points for international travelers, with passengers mostly coming from Singapore, the UK, the US, Germany, and Malaysia. With such initiatives, Thailand is poised to strengthen its position as a premier destination for luxury cruises and continue to attract quality tourists from around the world. Pattaya, in particular, stands to gain from the enhanced visibility and economic benefits that come with increased cruise tourism.

Money in your pocket and adventure in your heart – that’s all you need to make the most of Pattaya. PATTAYA, Thailand – It’s one of the most commonly asked, often whispered, and sometimes Googled questions by foreign visitors planning a trip to Pattaya: “Do I need to have a Thai girlfriend to enjoy the city?” Let’s get one thing straight – no, it’s absolutely not necessary. But it’s understandable why the question comes up. Pattaya has long been known for its vibrant nightlife, friendly locals, and romantic possibilities. The city’s reputation (earned or exaggerated) often leads newcomers to assume that forming a romantic connection is part of the full “Pattaya experience.” But here’s the real deal: Pattaya is what you make of it. Some long-term visitors do find genuine relationships here. Others enjoy short-term companionship, while many are simply here for the sun, sand, and SangSom. You can travel solo, with friends, as a couple, or with your dog – no one’s checking your relationship status at immigration. If you do meet someone special while you’re here, fantastic. Thai women are known for their warmth, generosity, and sense of fun. But it’s important to remember that meaningful relationships take time and mutual respect – just like anywhere else in the world. And if you’re feeling pressure to “find someone” just because you’re in Pattaya? Relax. Let go of the cliché. There’s plenty more to experience: from island hopping and jet skiing to street food safaris and cultural temples. When it comes to traveling in Pattaya, having a bit of money in your pocket certainly helps. Whether you’re exploring the city’s vibrant nightlife, relaxing on the beaches, or diving into its cultural attractions, having some extra cash can enhance the experience. From enjoying delicious street food to shopping for unique souvenirs or enjoying the many entertainment options, the city offers something for everyone. However, it’s important to remember that while a romantic connection can add a special touch to your trip, it’s by no means a necessity—your wallet, an open mind, and an adventurous spirit are the real essentials. So, do you need a Thai girlfriend in Pattaya? Only if it happens naturally – and never because you feel you should. Because the best thing you can bring to Pattaya… is an open mind.

A quiet Jomtien Beach marks the beginning of Thailand’s low season, with fewer tourists seen along the shore. PATTAYA, Thailand – As Thailand approaches the low season, which typically spans from May to October and coincides with the rainy months, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is shifting its marketing focus to high-spending luxury travelers, particularly from the Middle East and Europe, instead of investing in underperforming markets. A site visit by local reporters at Jomtien Beach found a noticeable decline in tourist numbers. Most current foreign visitors are long-stay retirees, while domestic tourists still visit regularly during weekends and public holidays. Recent tourism statistics revealed a significant 50% drop in Chinese tourist arrivals during March and April 2025 compared to the same period last year, largely due to economic challenges and natural disasters in the region. Ms. Natthariya Taweewong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and Chairwoman of the TAT Board, announced that in response to recent challenges—including safety concerns, natural disasters, and geopolitical tensions such as tariff hikes between the U.S. and China—the ministry has instructed TAT to revise its marketing strategies for the second half of the year. The Thai Prime Minister has set a new tourism revenue target for 2025: to match the 2019 pre-pandemic level of 3 trillion baht, with 2 trillion from international tourists and 1 trillion from domestic travelers. This is a downward revision from the original 3.5 trillion baht goal. To reach this target, the TAT will concentrate efforts on attracting affluent travelers from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and European countries such as Spain, Germany, Sweden, and the UK—many of whom are avoiding travel to the U.S.—as well as high-income markets like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In a significant shift, the TAT will also change its key performance indicators (KPIs) from counting tourist arrivals to measuring total tourism revenue. This recalibration of strategy and metrics is expected to be finalized by May.

Bug in the eye sparks bike smash in East PattayaLegacyA routine evening ride turned into chaos in East Pattaya after a bizarre bug-related mishap led to a crash between two motorbikes, leaving both riders injured. The collision happened around 9pm on Tuesday, April 22 along the Huay Kai Nao – Ban Dan Phajon Road in the Khao Mai Kaew subdistrict. Emergency responders from the Sawang Boriboon Pattaya City Rescue Centre rushed to the scene after receiving reports of a serious road accident involving two motorcycles. At the crash site, emergency services discovered a blue Honda PCX motorcycle without a licence plate sprawled in the middle of the road. Its rider, 45 year old Nichakan Uthaiseang, suffered a wrist injury but was conscious and responsive. Nearby, a blue and white Honda Click was also involved in the incident. Its rider, 43 year old Thanyalak Budda, was found lying face down on the road, in clear pain from a lower right leg injury and suspected rib damage. Both women received on-site first aid before being transported to a local hospital for further treatment. The cause of the crash? Something out of the ordinary. A witness, who was riding pillion on the Honda Click, told investigators that the driver had suddenly stopped after a bug flew into her eye, momentarily blinding her. The unexpected stop left the following motorbike, ridden by Nichakan, no time to react, resulting in a rear-end collision. Police documented the scene and have begun a formal investigation to determine whether any charges will be filed, although no criminal wrongdoing is suspected at this stage, reported Pattaya Mail. The incident has sparked fresh reminders from local officials about the dangers of riding at night without proper eye protection. While helmets are standard, many riders overlook the importance of visors or goggles, a lapse that, in this case, led to a crash. “Even something as small as an insect can lead to serious injuries if you’re caught off guard at speed,” one rescue official warned. Both riders are expected to recover, but the crash serves as a strange and painful example of how quickly things can go wrong on the road, even when nature’s smallest creatures get in the way. The story Bug in the eye sparks bike smash in East Pattaya as seen on Thaiger News.